Teej Celebrations

Teej Celebrations

Friday, 29th JULY 2016

Power women of Canada and Chandigarh joined the spirited rural women of Fatehgarh Sahib to celebrate Teej, the traditional festival; dedicated to the aspirations of the contemporary emancipated women.
MBCT girl students, wearing traditional Punjabi dresses, danced to the tunes of traditional Punjabi music, recited 'Bolian' (verses from folk music), competed in events, played one-minute games, and shared their views on alarming social practices that inhibited development of women.

The students from the villages were delighted and touched with the massive support from the Chief Guest Mrs. Aline Brault, Pedagogy Expert Canada and wife of the Canadian Consul General in Chandigarh accompanied by Ms Anarita, German expat living in Chandigarh, graced the occasion.

Celebrating the accomplishments of the students who ranged from 14 to 50 years and belonged to different villages of the district, Ms Aline Brault remarked that she sees number of young future leaders among the MBCT students. “There is lot of talent here, and it is marvellous to see so many courageous and confident women who are comfortable in competing, presenting their work and performing with such aplomb on stage in front of this large gathering. I wish you success and happiness.” Mrs. Aline Brault.

Dr Manmeet Kaur (Additional Professor SPH-PGIMER) in her opening remarks said, “I just want to say that Teej is an occasion where women celebrate the spirit of womanhood. We probably need to understand what womanhood is; it is to realize who we are, what our strengths are and how we can build our lives.” Dr . Kavita Marriya, Retd Principal Home Science College Chandigarh, was impressed by the display put up by the young women. Guests were impressed to see the results of the Srijana, a unique competition among ten Teams formed by students from different courses who brought their unique talents to create a single product. While team Ekta consist of 10 members team with their product Bottle Cover stood first; Other products on display included Bangles, Phulkari Nacklace, Tea Coasters, Phulkari Jackets, Madhubani Panting Shirt & Cushion Covers etc.

The celebration was exclusive for women to attend; thus the declamation competition led female students of MBCT to highlight some sensitive issues like gender discrimination, female foeticide, dowry system, education for women and women empowerment. Ms Gurinder enrolled in Computer Basics course of MBCT won the first prize. In her speech on Women Empowerment she said,” Women constitute half power of the country so in order to make India a fully powerful country, women empowerment is critical.” The fun part of the festival included one minute fun games like Spoon race, threading the needle, Balloon Blowing, Counting of Colour beads competitions and some Tongue Twisters. The local women and the guests took active part in these games. The 'Gidda' performances added colour, as the heavy overcast sky provided the canvass to the celebrations meant to welcome 'Savana', the monsoons. Girls took turns on the decorated swings called ‘peeng’ and adorned their hands and feet with intricate mehndi designs. Laughter rang through the Community Centre, as the women celebrated with fervour & gaiety. The traditional Giddha enthralled the Chandigarh ladies who joined the celebration dancing to the traditional bolis, “Bole ne Papiha Bole, Shava ni Papiha Bole.”

Teej Festival has been celebrated by women in rural Punjab for centuries, they celebrate the coming of the Monsoons and cooler clime, after two months of very hot summers. Traditionally women would get together in a common place in the village mostly under a big mango tree. They would put up huge swings on a mango tree or any other strong tree available. They are in their best dresses, they would swing in pairs and sing songs of love and happiness. Even nowadays, Teej festival is celebrated with great zeal in small towns and villages of Punjab. Mrs. Aline Brault, Mrs. Anarita and Mrs. Manjit Chataha presented specially designed certificates to the mehndi, painting, declamation and Srijan competition winners. Prizes were also given to the winners of the one-minute games. And surprise! Mrs. Aline Brault and Mrs. Anarita had brought beautiful bangles and sweets as prizes, The girls were touched by the warm and thoughtful gesture.